History of Rose Bowl Parade

The Tournament of Roses Parade is held every New Year’s Day in Pasadena,California. The parade includes floats covered with flowers, marching bands and equestrian units.

The parade first began on January 1, 1890 when members of the Valley Hunt Club first staged the parade. The parade has been held on January 1st, of everyyear since then, unless it falls on a Sunday. Then the parade is held onJanuary 2nd.

The initial intent was to show people buried in snow the flowers blooming and paradise in California.

By 1895, the event grew so large, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association was formed to oversees the preparations and planning.

By 1900 the lot where activities were held was known as Tournament Park and in 1958, William Wrigley, Jr. offered his home as the permanent headquarters and became known as Tournament House.

The first football game associated with the parade and holiday was held in 1902, although the next game was not played until 1916, when it became an annual event.

The name was derived from Rose Bowl Stadium, which was built in 1923.

The same route has been followed for decades and the festivities are now televised.